The 2026 Commonwealth Short Story Prize closes November 1, 2025

The Commonwealth Short Story Prize is one of the most prestigious and anticipated literary prizes, specially awarded to writers of Commonwealth descen

The Commonwealth Short Story Prize is one of the most prestigious and anticipated literary prizes, specially awarded to writers of Commonwealth descent. The prize is awarded for the best piece of unpublished short fiction (2,000–5,000 words).

For the 2026 edition, the judging panel is chaired by Louise Doughty, the author of A Bird in Winter and The Apple Tree Yard. Other members of the judging panel include Fred Khumalo, Rifat Munim, Norma Dunning (PhD), Sharma Taylor and Maxine Beneba Clarke.

Following their judgement, 25 stories will be shortlisted, and another five regional winners will be subsequently selected. The overall winner will be selected from the regional selection and awarded the cash prize of £5,000. The regional winners will receive £2,500. All five regional winning stories will also be published on Granta.

The deadline for submission is November 1, 2025 (11:59pm GMT).